BCCL Officials Allegedly Assaulted in Dhanbad Incident
Incident Overview
Two senior officials from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) reported an assault on April 10 while conducting an inspection of CCTV cameras in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The officials, along with personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were investigating damage to surveillance cameras that were believed to be targeted due to ongoing illegal coal mining activities.
The incident took place around 12:30 PM when the team entered the Block-2 mine area. According to Hafizul Qureshi, the BCCL general manager in charge of security, the cameras had frequently been vandalized, which prompted their visit for a detailed assessment. While conducting their inspection, a group of 15 to 20 men approached them on motorcycles.
Assault Details
Qureshi stated that one of the men recognized him and accused him of interfering with their operations. The assailants allegedly grabbed him, insisting that he accompany them to a nearby village. “They started pushing and pulling me, saying, ‘You are Qureshi, you are the problem,’” Qureshi recounted.
The officials attempted to escape and reached their vehicle; however, the group followed closely on their motorbikes. According to Qureshi, the driver of their vehicle made an effort to head towards the Baghmara police station for safety. However, just 50 to 60 meters from the police station, the attackers blocked their vehicle, forcing it to stop.
“They blocked our car, pulled me out, held my collar and hands, and tried to force me into their vehicle. They were threatening to kill me,” he disclosed, describing the ordeal that lasted several minutes. Despite being in proximity to the police station, no immediate assistance arrived until CISF personnel intervened.
Reactions from BCCL Officials
Kumar Ranjeev, another senior BCCL official present during the inspection, reported that he managed to escape into the police station during the incident. He noted that their driver attempted to flee at high speed, but they were intercepted before reaching safety. His security personnel helped him get inside, while others were subsequently rescued by CISF.
The FIR filed following the incident named local resident Pintu Mahto and his associates, alleging their involvement in illegal mining activities and the destruction of surveillance infrastructure. Qureshi has requested legal action based on assault on public servants, criminal intimidation, and obstruction of government duties.
Qureshi expressed concern that the attackers seemed to have prior knowledge of their inspection, indicating a possible leak of information regarding their visit.
Continuing Operations Despite Threats
BCCL officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to tackling illegal mining in the area despite the assault. Ranjeev stated, “We have been acting against illegal mining and will not stop, no matter the threats.” Following the incident, CISF and local police carried out a flag march to reassure the community and reinforce security.
A Baghmara police officer confirmed that a case has been registered and noted that Pintu Mahto is believed to have connections with the illegal coal mining mafia. An investigation is currently underway to address the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
